In an email to Paton supporters, Franks praised him for “being a friend of Israel.” Franks called McSally a “principled fighter” in a campaign press release.

Both Paton and McSally have largely noncompetitive GOP primaries, and Franks’ endorsements were much less controversial than his recent backing of real estate investor Wil Cardon over fellow Rep. Jeff Flake in the GOP Senate primary.

Paton will likely face former Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick in the fall in the 1st district. McSally is challenging likely Democratic nominee Rep. Ron Barber in November in the new 2nd district.